Jackson to offer $500 rewards for tips on felons with guns

Jackson police cars display new Crime Stoppers decals.

Jackson Mayor Harvey Johnson Jr. announced Wednesday that the city will offer cash rewards for tips on felons who possess guns illegally.

The program will be run through Central Mississippi Crime Stoppers, which already offers up to $1,000 for tips leading to the arrest of violent offenders. Crime Stoppers will offer up to $500 for tips on felons with guns, Johnson said.

The mayor said one in four suspects in the city's 66 homicides last year were felons who had illegally obtained a gun.

"This type of anonymous info has helped us solve serious crimes in the past, but this can help us prevent crimes - prevent violence," Johnson said.

Johnson unveiled the program at a Wednesday afternoon press conference, flanked by a backdrop of police officers and six Jackson police cars that have new Crime Stoppers decals.